Percent Numeric
Electrical and Electronics Engineers
17-2070 294,000 311,600 6 17,600
Electrical Engineers
17-2071 154,000 164,700 7 10,700
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
17-2072 140,000 146,900 5 6,800
Similar Occupations
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of electrical and electronics engineers.
OCCUPATION JOB DUTIES ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION MEDIAN ANNUAL PAY, MAY 2010
Aerospace Engineers
Aerospace engineers design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. In addition, they test prototypes to make sure that they function according to design.
Bachelor’s degree $97,480
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Architectural and engineering managers plan, coordinate, and direct activities in architecture and engineering, including research and development in these fields.
Bachelor’s degree $119,260
Biomedical Engineers
Biomedical engineers analyze and design solutions to problems in biology and medicine, with the goal of improving the quality and effectiveness of patient care.
Bachelor’s degree $81,540
Computer Hardware Engineers
Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer equipment such as chips, circuit boards, or routers. By solving complex problems in computer hardware, these engineers create rapid advances in computer technology.
Bachelor’s degree $98,810
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians
Electrical and electronic engineering technicians help engineers design and develop computers, communications equipment, medical monitoring devices, navigational equipment, and other electrical and electronic equipment. They often work in product evaluation and testing, using measuring and diagnostic devices to adjust, test, and repair equipment.
Associate’s degree $56,040
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers install, repair, or replace a variety of electrical equipment in telecommunications, transportation, utilities, and other industries.
Postsecondary non-degree award $49,170
Electricians
Electricians install and maintain electrical systems in homes, businesses, and factories.
High school diploma or equivalent $48,250
Electro-mechanical Technicians
Electro-mechanical technicians combine knowledge of mechanical technology with knowledge of electrical and electronic circuits. They install, troubleshoot, repair, and upgrade electronic and computer-controlled mechanical systems, such as robotic assembly machines.
Associate’s degree $49,550
Sales Engineers
Sales engineers sell complex scientific and technological products or services to businesses. They must have extensive knowledge of the products’ parts and functions and must understand the scientific processes that make these products work.
Bachelor’s degree $87,390
Contacts for More Information
For information about general engineering education and career resources, visit
American Society for Engineering Education
Technology Student Association
For more information about licensure as an electrical or electronics engineer, visit
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
National Society of Professional Engineers
For information about accredited engineering programs, visit
ABET
This chapter provides clear insight in the current state of Electrical engineers jobs - the next chapter covers how to find and apply for Electrical engineers jobs.
FINDING AND APPLYING FOR Electrical engineers JOBS AND EVALUATING OFFERS
Finding—and getting—a job you want can be a challenging process, but knowing more about job search methods and application techniques can increase your chances of success. And knowing how to judge the job offers you receive makes it more likely that you will end up with the best possible job.
Where to learn About Job Openings
Job Search Methods
Applying for a Job
Job Interview Tips
Evaluating a Job Offer
Where to Learn About Job Openings
Personal contacts
School career planning and placement offices
Employers
Classified ads:
National and local newspapers
Professional journals
Trade magazines
Internet resources
Professional associations
Labor unions
State employment service offices
Federal Government
Community agencies
Private employment agencies and career consultants
Internships
Job Search Methods
Finding a job can take months of time and effort. But you can speed the process by using many methods to find job openings. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggest that people who use many job search methods find jobs faster than people who use only one or two.
Personal contacts.
Many jobs are never advertised. People get them by talking to friends, family, neighbors, acquaintances, teachers, former coworkers, and others who know of an opening. Be sure to tell people that you are looking for a job because the people you know may be some of the most effective resources for your search. To develop new contacts, join student, community, or professional organizations.
School career planning and placement offices.
High school and college placement offices help their students and alumni find jobs. Some invite recruiters to use their facilities for interviews or career fairs. They also may have lists of open jobs. Most also offer career counseling, career testing, and job search advice. Some have career resource libraries; host workshops on job search strategy, resume writing, letter writing, and effective interviewing; critique drafts of resumes; conduct mock interviews; and sponsor job fairs.
Employers.
Directly contacting employers is one of the most successful means of job hunting.